USS BEGOR (APD-127)

SHIPMATES MEMORIAL

SHIPMATES DEATH NOTICES. We encourage submission of death notices,
obituaries or eulogies on USS Begor shipmates. Each such item
received will be placed on a special Feature of this page, the
SHIPMATES MEMORIAL.

You are invited to submit a death notice and/or obituary and/or
personal eulogy, for your family member, shipmate or friend who was
a former USS Begor crewmember, or for the spouse of a former Begor
crewmember, by sending them by email to
ussbegor@yahoo.com

ALLEN, DONALD
EM2, 1951-55, age 79, of Charlotte, NC, passed away at his home of
congestive heart failure on 10/25/09. He was born 8/14/30 in
Mecklenburg County, NC, son of the late Claude M. and Mary Estridge
Allen. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife
of 50 years, Elizabeth Wilson Allen. He is survived by his daughters
Claudia Harrington and husband Matt of Warner Robins, GA, and Donna
Leigh Allen-Sherrill and husband Charles of Charlotte; a brother
William R. Allen of Charlotte, and four grandchildren. Mr. Allen was
vice-president of C.M. Allen Construction Co., a graduate of Central
High School class of 1948, and Lees-McRae College. He was a US Navy
veteran, serving in the Korean War aboard the USS Begor. A military
funeral service was held on Oct. 28. (Excerpted from the Charlotte
Observer, 10/27/09, and information from his daughter, Donna.)
Don was an active member of the Begor Assn., regularly attending our
reunions until his health problems in recent years.

BAKKEN, FRED
Fredrick D. Bakken, 76, passed away peacefully at home in Napa,
California with his family, on June 3, 2004. Fred was born July 26,
1927 in Stanley, ND. From there he moved with his family to Portland,
Oregon. Fred served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1967, retiring as
master chief petty officer. His Naval service included duty on
USS Begor (APD-127) from June 1947 to May 1952 as a BM2. He
participated in the December 1950 destruction of the Port of Hungnam
in North Korea during the Korean War.
After retirement from the Navy, Fred worked for the Mare Island
Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California from 1968 to 1985. He loved
his country, family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Yoko Bakken; daughters Shirley Hammond,
Mary Bakken, and Tina Ibanez; sons Kurt and Carl Bakken; sons-in-law
Erik Hammond, and Mark Ibanez; daughter-in-law Andrea Bakken; three
grandchildren, and two sisters. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial Service was held at 1:00pm, June 8 at Treadway & Wigger
Funeral Chapel in Napa. Pastor Jim Warnock officiated.

BARTEL, CECIL RAY
Cecil Ray Bartel wanted to become a naval aviator during WWll, but
the conflict ended before he could be trained as a pilot. After the
war he became an aeronautical engineer in Texas, where he had a 42
year career designing military aircraft, missiles and rocket systems.
Mr. Bartel 78, died Aug. 30 of a pulmonary embolism during surgery at
a Wichita Falls hospital. Born in Balko, Okla., Mr. Bartel graduated
from high school in Perryton, Texas, in 1945.
Although he didn't become a pilot, he served in the Navy aboard the
USS Begor APD-127, including the vessel's assignment during nuclear
tests at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. He watched the
atomic bomb go off, said his son, Dr. Danny Bartel of Wichita Falls.
After serving in the Navy, Mr. Bartel received a degree from the
Northrop Institute of Technology in Inglewood, Calif., now a part
of California State University, Long Beach. In 1950, he moved
to Grand Prairie, where he began a 42-year career as an aerospace
engineer with Chance Vought, which later was known as LTV Corp.
He designed Regulus, the first nuclear missile for submarines. He
was also part of the design team of the F-8 Crusader and the A-7
attack bomber, and he was project manager for the Multiple Launch
Rocket System.
For 21 years, Mr. Bartel was a member of the First Baptist Church
of Grand Prairie, where he was deacon and primary education
coordinator. He later was a founder of the Grand Prairie Bible
Church, where he was an elder. He was also a Gideon and served
on the board of directors of the Music Evangelism Foundation.
A community activist, Mr. Bartel was a member of the Grand Prairie
Planning and Zoning Commission and past president of the Gopher
Quarterback Club for Grand Prairie High School.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Bartel of Grand Prairie, three
sons and a daughter, 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and
four brothers. Memorials may be made to a scholarship fund, the
Cecil Bartel Memorial Foundation at Grand Prairie Bible Church,
1217 S. Carrier Parkway, Grand Prairie, Texas 75051.

BLOOM, ROY W.
EM1 1947-48 passed away in Kerman, CA in September 2001, as reported
by his wife Zula May.

BOOTON, JOHN
IC3 1953 passed away in March 2005 in Council Bluffs, IW as reported
by his daughter.

BROOKS, BENJAMIN T.
LCDR-CO 1945, passed away in 1999 as
reported by Roger Turk. He was born in Bayside, NY on 16 June
1918 and was the first USS Begor commanding officer. He retired
from the U.S. Naval Reserve, in 1960, as a Captain.

BRUSH, EUGENE
As reported by his son-in-law, Tom Farley, shipmate Eugene (Gene) F.
Brush, F1c (Plank owner) passed away on December 5th 2007. Gene was born
in Woodhaven, New York and joined the Navy in 1943 after leaving high
school early.
He is survived by two sons and one daughter; five grandchildren and five
great grandchildren. He was a plank owner onboard the USS Begor where
he served until November 1945. He proudly proclaimed he was a member of
the "black gang". Soon after the war ended, Gene returned home to raise
a family and worked in professions that included decommissioning ships
at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and as a licensed stationary engineer.

CHERREY, BUD
Darrell (Bud) William Cherrey, HM2, 1948-'49, age 88, of
Monroe, WI, passed away at home on June 8th, 2012,
surrounded by his loving family. He worked at Civilian
Conservation Camp prior to enlisting in the United States
Navy in June 1943, as a Naval Corpsman. Bud was a WWII
and Korean Conflict veteran. During WWII, he provided
care to POW' in the Philippines. He deployed with the
Marines to Inchon, Korea, providing medical care to
Marines on the front lines. He served his country
honorable and with distinction for twenty-three years.
After retiring from active duty, Bud continued to serve in
the Fleet Reserves until his death.
Bud moved his family to Monroe in 1971. He continued his
medical profession as a physician assistant at the Monroe
Medical Center until his retirement in 1990. Bud had a
strong spirit of volunteerism and donated countless hours
as an ambulance driver and Emergency Medical
Technician for St. Clare Hospital and the Veterans of
Foreign Wars. He married the love of his life, Carol Kruser,
on Sept. 6, 1953. He is survived by his wife, seven
children, seventeen grandchildren, six
great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives. A
memorial mass was followed by military honors and a
luncheon at the Moose Lodge on June 14, 2012.
(Reported to John Camp by Mrs. Carol Cherrey. )
(Obituary excerpts from Newcomer Funeral Home.)

CINDRICH, FRANK
Frank J. Cindrich, 55, of Kansas City, Kansas passed away on 15 May 1981.
Frank was a Navy veteran of World War II and served onboard USS Begor
during 1945-46.
He was a lifelong resident of Kansas City and had been an auto mechanic
instructor at the Kansas City Area Vocational Technical School and a
member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Frank was a past
commander of
Strawberry Hill VFW Post 7026, and past president of the Slavic-American
Club. He owned and operated F & M Auto Service for fifteen years prior
to going to work at AVTS in 1965.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Ellen, three sons, two daughters, three
brothers and three sisters. Services were held at St. John the Baptist
Catholic Church with burial at Mount Calvary.

COMBS, RAYMOND
Raymond C. Combs, 68, of Mineralwells, WV, died Dec 27, 2001, at
Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital in Parkersburg, WV.
He was born April 30, 1933 in Parkersburg, a son of the late Daniel
Floyd. and Louisa Raines Combs. He graduated from Parkersburg High
School with the class of 1951. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1951 and
following boot camp, served on the USS Begor APD-127. Raymond retired
as a Chief Petty Officer (SKC) after 20 years of service.
During his Naval career he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation,
Navy Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service
Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good
Conduct Award.
Following his service to this country, he worked for the
Walker-Parkersburg, O, Ames Co., and Environmental Research and
Technology of Concord, Md. Raymond was a member of the Fraternal
Order of Eagles, American Legion, Fleet Reserve Assn., a Life Member
of the Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He is survived by two sons and two daughters, 10 grandchildren,
one sister and one brother.
Chief Combs was buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with full military rites
by the American Legion Post 15 of Parkersburg.

CORY, DEL
Delbert J. Cory - A resident of Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, Del
passed away September 11, 2005. Born in Newcastle, Indiana, he was
71 when he died. In 1958 and 1959, Del served aboard USS Begor
(APD-127) as a lieutenant (junior grade). A memorial service was
conducted at the Fort Snelling Historic Memorial Chapel in
Minneapolis on September 15. Interment was in the Fort Snelling
National Cemetery.

The following obituary appeared in SHIPMATE, the
U.S. Naval Academy magazine and was provided by Mim Cory, Del's
wife:

Delbert Jason Cory of Oak Park Heights, MN, died on 11 September
2005 of complications of diabetes. He was 71 years old.

Del was born on 7 January 1934 in Newcastle, IN. He graduated
from South Bend Central High School in 1951 and entered Purdue
University. After a year at Purdue, he was appointed to the Naval
Academy. He started in 11th Company and transferred to Fifth Company
in his Second Class Year. While at the Academy, he was in the
fencing club and played on the battalion football team.

Upon graduation with the Class of 1956, he reported to USS Algol
(AKA-54) in San Diego. He subsequently served in USS Begor (APD-127)
and Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). He resigned his commission in June
1960 and enrolled in Oberlin Graduate School of Theology. While in
Seminary, he served as a chaplain in the Naval Reserve. Upon
graduation, in June 1964, he reentered on active duty in the Chaplain
Corps, serving at NAS Memphis; First Battalion/First Marines in Da
Nang, Vietnam; Great Lakes Naval Training Station; ComPhibRon FOUR
in Norfolk; and Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot, SC.

Del was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for meritorious service
while serving as battalion chaplain, displaying exceptional
initiative and devotion to duty. He spent the majority of his time
in Vietnam in the field, with forward platoons, moving from unit to
unit, through areas in which the Viet Cong were known to be active.
He willingly shared the hazards and discomforts of the front line Marines.

In June 1970, Del again left active duty, moved to Minnesota, and
was employed as a labor investigator for the State Department of
Labor and Industry. He retired in January 1999.

Del is survived by his wife, Miriam; son, Stephen; daughters, Nadine,
Cathy and Karen; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his mother, Ruth Kidder, one brother and
three sisters.

A funeral service was held on Thursday, 15 September 2005, at Fort
Snelling Historic Memorial Chapel in Minneapolis, MN, followed by
interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with full military honors.

DART, DONALD
EN2 1951-55 passed away in Canyon Country, CA on April 23, 2004 as
reported by his wife, Patricia

DART, MARVIN
BT3, 1952-55 Passed away in September 2003 as reported by his
brother and shipmate Donald Dart.

DAVIS, DELMAR
MM1, 1952-55, passed away in Abilene, TX on September 30, 2000 as
reported by his wife Helen.

DAVIS, ROBERT D.
Shipmate and Association Secretary, Bob Sloan, was called by shipmate
George Schaidt reporting the death on 7/20/13 of shipmate
Robert D. Davis, FN, '46-'50 of Milford, UT. It is interesting
that George and Bob served together on the BEGOR, they lived across the
street from each other, they both had twins and they were hunting buddies.

DELANO, HUBERT "BERT" W.
QM1, 1944-45.
When U.S. specialty steelmakers needed to get their point across to
the government and the media, they turned to Bert Delano for nearly
30 years. "He was always ahead of the curve. He anticipated the
questions. He knew the answers, said Armco Chairman James F. Will.
No matter what the problem was, Bert was always the guy who said,
'Never give up. Never give up.' "
Hubert W. "Bert" Delano died on September 12, 1999 in Boston after
suffering a series of strokes while he was on vacation in Nantucket.
He was 78. He is survived by his Wife, June, four Sons and a Daughter.
Bert was active in local and church affairs. He donated a children's
reading room to Mt.Lebanon Library in honor of his wife, an educator
and early childhood specialist.
He was a plank-owner on board the USS Begor APD-127 in 1944, serving
as a Quartermaster First Class.

DIMSE, DICK
Shipmate Richard "Dick" H. Dimse, LTJG (1956-58) former Begor Operations
Officer passed away on 22 July 2003 in Apple Valley, California.
As reported by the U.S. Naval Academy on their website -
"Dick was born
in Vancouver, Washington, lived for several years in California and then
up state New York. He entered the U. S. Naval Academy with a Fleet
appointment after attending Electronics Technician school. Following
his graduation from the Naval Academy he served on amphibious ships
including the USS Begor (APD-127) and the USS Boston (CAG-1). Dick
passed away after a brief illness on July 22, 2003 in Apple Valley,
California where he had lived in retirement for the past several years."

DOWNS, DAVE
Our shipmate, David A. Downs, EM1 (1953-57) passed away December 23,
2008 following a long battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by
his wife Delores in July 1993. Soon after her death, Dave moved from
Omaha, Nebraska to sunny Arizona where he could pursue his love of golf.
In addition to golf, Dave enjoyed dancing and playing cards. As told
by his daughter, Laurie,
"[Dave] was a very loving Father to me and my
two brothers and a most loving husband to our Mother".
Dave always looked forward to the USS Begor annual reunions. In
addition to his intellectual contributions, he contributed financially
in support of USS Begor (APD-127) Association functions. Dave was a
great shipmate and gentleman. Although his health situation prevented
him from attending our 2008 reunion in Pensacola, Dave contributed a
substantial amount toward our hospitality room expenses.
Dave was an electrician by trade and prior to his retirement he was
head electrician at Ak-Sar-Ben (Nebraska spelled backwards) a large
coliseum, ice rink and concert arena in Omaha. He began his trade when
he reported onboard Begor as an EMFN in November 1953 and was detached
as EM1 in February 1957. His rapid advancement spoke clearly of his
talent and dedication to the trade. Dave was a longtime member of
I.B.E.W. local 22 in Omaha
He left behind two sons and a daughter: Dr. David A. Downs, Jr., Dan L.
Downs, Laurie M. Downs of Omaha, and life friend Mary Wollen. David
donated his body to Arizona State University for science.

E

EGGLESTON, WALTER L., SR.
Walter Lyle Eggleston, Sr. passed away May 28, 2009 in Oregon.
Walter was born in Bismark, North Dakota on June 22, 1932, the third
of four children of Aloice and Thelma Eggleston. He joined the navy
after turning 18 and served 2 years on the USS Begor. He met and
married Jenny Gravely while working as a parking lot attendant for a
couple of years after being released from active duty. They had four
children. Walter became a Lane County, Oregon Sheriff in the 60's
where he worked with his brother Ron Eggleston. After serving 11 years
as a sheriff he moved to Alaska where he was a tow truck
driver then a correctional officer both in Kenai and Kotzebue. He was
a longtime resident of many towns in Alaska where he loved to fish and
hunt.
Preceding him in death were his mother and father, sister, and bothers,
daughter Lisa, and nephew PFC Cody Eggleston.
He is survived by his daughter Dedi and her husband Steve, their
daughter KC and son Jared Owen of Amsterdam; his son Rick and wife
Marilyn, their daughter Courtney and sons Travis and Tanner Eggleston
of Fairbanks AK; his son Walter, Jr. and wife Vicki and their daughters
Amber and McKenzie of La Pine, Oregon.
Walter was put to rest at Rest-Haven Memorial Park in Eugene, Oregon.

ELSON, HAROLD
It was with great sadness - on April 6, 2009 after inquiring
about Harold was getting along - the Newsletter Editor
learned from his daughter, Tina Agnew, that Harold had
passed away on March 30, 2009. He had been recuperating
from triple bypass heart surgery and a valve
replacement operation at the beginning of January, 2009, but
as Tina said, he could not overcome his condition.
Harold served aboard Begor in 1950-53 as an ET1. He
was, to the best of our knowledge, the last remaining
"founding father" of the USS Begor Association. He will
be missed particularly at our reunions, which he and his
wife, Hanano, attended regularly. A very generous
donation was made to the USS Begor Memorial fund.
There has not been an official obituary written at this
time, but he is survived by his wife, of Fremont, CA, two
daughters and their families. You are urged to go online to
http://HaroldWasAlwaysThereForUs.blogspot.com
to see photos of him and his family. Be sure to click on the
arrow under his baby photo to start the video.

GURNEY, SUMNER
LCDR-CO 1961-62, passed away in 2003 as reported
by his son. He was born on 2 February 1927 in Philadelphia, PA.
His active service was from 1944 to 1977, retiring as a Captain.
Captain Gurney was the thirteenth USS Begor commanding officer.

HAMILTON, GEORGE B.
LCDR-CO 1952-54, passed away in August 1993,
as reported by his son. A 1942 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy,
he was the eighth USS Begor commanding officer. He retired in June
1967 as a Captain, making his home in Hawaii.

HAMMER, GERALD
Our Newsletter Editor, Bill Meeker, received word of Gerald Hammer's
passing from his Daughter, Melodie.
His obituary can be seen on the
obituary link. Melodie reports that the USS Begor was very important
to him. Internment will be held on Aug 11th, 2014 in Denver at Fort Logan.

BEN HARDIN
As reported recently in a letter from his wife, Louise Hardin, Ben Hardin,
BM3, 1945, Begor Plank Owner, passed away January 25, 2006 at the age of
83. The Hardins resided in Inman,SC.

JOHN HARMAN
Jean Harman, wife of shipmate LCDR John Harman, reported his death on 20
May 2008 at his home in Menlo Park, California.
John Harman was the first XO and the second CO of USS Begor (1945-46).
Obituary - Commander John Ashmore Harman, USN Ret. passed away on 20 May
2008 at the age of 87. A resident of Menlo Park for 44 years, he was born
in Rochester, New York, a graduate of Brown University and member of Phi
Delta Theta fraternity. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from
early 1941 until his retirement in 1964. He served as commanding officer
of USS Begor (APD-127) during 1945-46. The majority of his Naval career
was as a pilot on anti-submarine aircraft and helicopters. Following his
Naval retirement he worked for Southern Pacific Railroad for 20 years.
He was the quintessential "officer and a gentleman." Respected and admired
by all who knew him, and beloved by his family and the multitude of foreign
students for whom he was surrogate father during their stay at Stanford.
He is survived by Jean, his wife of 62 years; his children Sheri Lee, Scott
Harman, Marcy Crawford, Stuart Harman, and six grandchildren. There will
be no formal service.

HARPER, DEAN
Pat Harper, who had attended one our San Diego reunions with his wife,
brought to our attention via email that his father, Dean Harper,
MM3, 1945-46 was not on our Deceased Shipmates list. Extracts from Dean
Harper's published obituary that Pat provided follows.Dean P. Harper died in Eureka, CA on October 21, 1985 at age 58.
He was a native of Eau Claire, WI and a resident of Eureka.
Mr. Harper lived in this area since his retirement in 1970. He served
nearly 25 years of active duty in the US Navy and US Air Force, and was a
member of the VFW, Post no. 1872 and the Eagles, Aerie No. 130.
He is survived by his wife, 3 sons, 3 daughters, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 13
grandchildren and numberous nieces and nephews.
His memorial service was held at the Veterans Memorial Building in Eureka
on October 27, 1985. A private inurnment was held at Ocean View Cemetary,i
Eureka.Editor's note:
Pat Harper provided a copy of his father's Notice of Separation.
It show that Dean joined the Navy in 1944 and served aboard the
USS LCI 815, USS Begor (APD-127), and USS PCS 1403. Our Assocation's
Historian Emeritus, Gene Combs, notes that Dean served aboard Begor in
1945-46.

LYLE HAYS
As published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on December 30, 2009,
CDR Lyle R. Hays (CO 1948-49), passed away in San Diego on December 5,
2009. CDR Hays served as Begors 5th commanding officer.
CDR Hays retired from the US Navy in 1968 after serving 27 years of
active service. He is survived by Dolores, his wife of 68 years,
from Rancho Bernardo, one son and a daughter, seven grandchildren
and four great grandchildren.

FRED HILL
As reported by his wife, Rita, Fred Warren Hill, OSC (Ret.), passed away
on February 18, 2007 at Sharp Hospital in Chula Vista, California, from
pulmonary fibrosis.
Fred was born in Craven County, North Carolina, November 15, 1930. In
April 1948 he quit school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He did his
basic training at the Naval Training Center in San Diego.
During his Navy Career, when aboard ships, Fred's home port was San
Diego, and shore duty was also in San Diego, with two exceptions. He
served two years in Hawaii as an instructor, and two years with the
Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) at Tsoying Naval Base, Taiwan,
Republic of China.
He served aboard USS Begor (APD-127) 1948-51, USS Henrico (APA-45),
USS Duncan (DDR-874), USS Mahan (DLG 10), USS King (DLG-11), USS
Piedmont (AD-33), and the Nationalist Chinese Navy Ships DE-21 and PCEC.
The US Navy ships he was on were involved in shore bombardment of North
Korea, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Fred, also known as "Smiley," finished his High School education while
stationed in San Diego and when transferred to Fleet Reserve after serving
23 years in the Navy. He then attended college and earned a business
degree. He began working as a Real Estate Salesman, later became a Real
Estate Broker, Property Manager and Certified General Appraiser. In the late
1960s, he and a partner had a contract with the VA, to manage all of San
Diego and Imperial Counties VA repossessed properties.

HUBBARD, VICTOR
BM1, '52-'55 (BMC, Ret), age 88, of
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away July 15, 2013, as
reported by his wife, Elaine. Born in West Frankfort, IL and
joining the Navy in 1942, Victor served in WWII, Korea
and Vietnam, with 20 years of active duty service, and 10
years in the Navy Reserve. He also retired from the Druid
City Regional Hospital in Tuscaloosa with 29 years of
service. Having crossed the equator in 1943, he was proud
to be a "Trusty Shellback" & always carried the card.

HUNTINGTON, STUART
Huntington, Stuart, CAPT, USN Ret.: He served
aboard Begor as ENS in 1958-59. His assignment with our USS Begor
(APD-127) Association was Website Development Project Leader.
Stu's published obituary follows:
Stuart was born on March 8, 1936 in Staten
Island, New York and passed away on May 23, 2014 in Murrieta, California,
after a three year battle with metastatic prostate cancer. He is survived
by his loving wife of 52 years, Paula Huntington; daughter, Meredith
Stewart, and her husband, Ian; granddaughter, Samantha; older brother,
Bob, and younger brother, Lee.
Even though he moved many times as part of a military family, Stu
considered Spring Valley, New York his childhood home, and graduated
from high school there. He was part of the NROTC and received a BA in
Government from Columbia College in 1958. He went on to achieve an MS
in Computer Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in
1971. Stu served in the US Navy for 26 years and retired as a Captain.
His ship deployments included the USS Iowa, USS Begor and USS Jamestown.
He was also stationed at Karamursel Air Station in Turkey, Edzell in
Scotland, and Misawa AFB in Japan, as well as the Pentagon and the
National Security Agency. He went on to work in the private sector for
18 years at General Electric, Martin Marietta and Lockheed Martin,
retiring in 2002.
Over the years, Stu's hobbies included photography, travel, enjoying
movies, organizing reunions, collecting coins, drawing and creating web
pages. He was a very detail-oriented person and his sense of humor will
be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 17th @ 11:30 a.m.
at Riverside National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jennifer Smart
Foundation in Stu's memory at
JenniferSmart.com.

HUSTON, BOB R.
SN, '52, age 79, of Henderson, NV,
passed away on Memorial Day, May 27, 2013, as reported
by his wife, Patricia. He had a Military Funeral Service, a
Navy bugler played taps, and the folded flag was
presented to Patricia, all of which she said would have
really made Bob proud. Bob was a latecomer to the
Begor Assn., but an enthusiastic member, and this year he
had contributed several items of interest to your Newsletter Editor.

I

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JEFFERSON, DAVID LEE
SH2, 1955-56, passed away on March 9, 2010 as reported by his son David.
Our David was a member of the USS Begor Championship basketball
team. See the basketball team photo on our History page
HERE.

JENSEN, RONALD L.
SO3 1952-54, passed away in Glendale, AZ on January 28, 2004 as
reported by his wife, Clara.

JOHNSON, WALTER
From the Memphis, Tennessee The Commercial Appeal:
WALTER FAY JOHNSON, 79, passed away at his home in Millington, Saturday,
October 24, 2009. Formerly of Tyronza, AR, he is a retired Boatswains
Mate Petty Officer First Class, with 22 years of service in the Navy,
retired owner of Jetway Cleaners, and retired businessman. His wife,
Pham Hue Johnson; three daughters, Belinda Eve Henry and her husband,
Adam, Patricia Faye Johnson, and Lori Diane Kearney and her husband,
Clay; one sister, Shirley Rose Henry, and one grandson, Alexander D.
Henry, survive him. Funeral services were held on October 31 at the
Millington Civic Center. Burial followed the services at Northridge
Woodhaven Cemetery.
His daughter, Belinda Henry, who attended one reunion with him in
San Diego in '93, reported his death to our website.
Walter served aboard Begor as BM3, 1950-52 & 1957-59, and was Past Vice
President of our association. He just turned 79 on 10/19/2009 and
passed away at home surrounded by friends
and loved ones after battling lung cancer for almost two years.

KELLY, EDWARD
Edward J. Kelly of Stratford, CT 06497, passed away
9/25/06 after a long battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. Ed was an EM1
aboard Begor from 1951-1955. The Begor was the only ship he served on in
the Navy.
This information was provided by Ed's brother and Begor Assn. member,
Richard T. Kelly, IC2 '50-'51, also of Stratford.

KLAUS, EDWARD
CDR Klaus' son David reported that CDR Klaus passed away on September 22,
2001 at his home in Pompano Beach, FL. He was a USS Begor plank owner.
See ENS Klaus in a picture of the plank owners on our
Photo Gallery page.

KLEBER, FRANK
USS Begor Shipmates, it saddens us to report the death of one of our
most respected and admired commanding officers. At 1300 PST Tuesday,
22 February 2011, CDR Francis (Frank) Thomas Kleber, USN (ret) passed
away in Chula Vista, California.
Commander Kleber assumed command of the Gray Ghost on Friday 23 August
1958, while Begor was in the midst of qualification evaluations under
the watchful eyes of the Fleet Training Center in San Diego. The
following Monday, Begor got underway to demonstrate her ability to tow
a larger ship. Things went wrong during that operation and Frank
describes in Begor sea story # 18, details of the towing cable wrapping
around the port screw. What a beginning for Franks tour as commanding
officer! Frank had a robust sense of humor, including the ability to
laugh at his own mistakes and about the missteps bound to happen in
complex military operations. He documented several other sea stories
on our website, www.ussbegor.org .
A 1944 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he began is naval career on
the USS West Virginia (BB-48), a survivor of the December 7th Japanese
attack on Battleship Row in Pearl Harbor. He participated in 5 major
amphibious assaults and one surface sea battle in the Philippines, Iwo
Jima and Okinawa while onboard the WeeVee. He would subsequently
command two ships, a division of four ships and a squadron of eight ships.
During 1955-56 Frank served as XO of the USS Arnold J. Isbell (DD-869).
The commanding officer at the time was Elmo Bud Zumwalt, the future
Chief of Naval Operations. It was clear from Navy conversations with
Frank throughout his life that Admiral Zs mentorship was a key factor
in his own pride in and dedication to the Sea Service. Retiring from
the Navy in late 1960s Frank worked in various engineering positions
in the nuclear and aerospace industry and ultimately worked at Fermi
Labs in Chicago, site of the worlds largest particle-accelerator. He
retired again in 1982 and returned to San Diego area. Frank and his
wife Evelyn were active for several years in the USS Begor (APD-127)
Association, attending many of the annual reunions.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Unity, 3770 Altadena
Drive, San Diego, California at 1000 Wednesday 16 March, followed by a
military burial at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Point Loma at 1500.
Commander Kleber is survived by his widow Evelyn, four Sons and their
families.

KOEHLER, W. PHILLIP
LCDR-CO 1957-58, passed away in 2002 as
reported by his widow, Pamela. He was the eleventh USS Begor
commanding officer.

KUNTZE, ARCHIE C.
LCDR-CO 1951-52, passed away in December 1980
in Sheboygan, WI. He was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy,
class of 1939, and was the seventh USS Begor commanding officer.
He retired from the U.S. Navy, in 1967, as a Captain.

L

LANG, EUGENE
Eugene's son, Curt Lang, reported the following to our Newsletter Editor,
Bill Meeker:
I recently received the USS Begor Newsletter sent to my father,
Eugene R. Lang. Unfortunately we lost dad on June 4, 2013.
One of his most exciting, recent memories was the reunion he and his
wife Deloris attended of the USS Begor. He was so proud of the work
ALL of his fellow service men did while serving our great country.

LAWRENCE, MARILYN
Wife of LTJG Robert Lawrence, Begor Operations Officer 1958-59, passed
away in Placerville, CA on August 28, 1998 as reported by her husband.

LOGAN, CLARENCE EARL, ENS, WWII
&nbsp
This report was received from Eark Logan's son, Brian:
&nbsp
"I was looking up my fathers ship
during WWII and found this site. He passed in 1992. He used to
brag about the Begor being the first ship in Tokyo Bay doing
mine sweeping duty for the surrender of Japan. He was the
chief engineer at the time."

LOONEY, JOHN, BM2, 52-53
As reported by his widow, Billie, shipmate John Looney, BM2 (1952-53)
passed away in Irving, Texas on 3 May 2009. John was received onboard
11-21-52 from USS TELFAIR (APA-210) and transferred to USS LST-1148 on
9 April 1953.

MARGETTS, RICHARD
LCDR-CO 1946-47, passed away in July 1999
as reported by his daughter-in-law Cindy Margetts. He was the
third USS Begor commanding officer, and retired from the U.S.
Navy as a Commander.

MASTERSON, GEORGE, SR
Oct 12 1920 - Sept 1 2005
George E. Masterson, Sr., a World War II Navy veteran and
barbershop quartet singer, died Sept 1 in his New Port Richey,
Florida home after a brief illness. He was 84.
Born in Buffalo, he graduated from South Park High School.
During World War ll, he was a signalman on the USS Begor, the
first vessel to enter Tokyo Bay in August 1945, clearing the
way for the signing of the treaty there to end the war, according
to the USS Begor's historical web site and family members.
Mr. Masterson was a 40-year employee of Joseph Davis & Co., Buffalo,
and a member of Steamfitters Local 395.
He enjoyed music and sang with a barbershop group known as the
Buffalo Bills and later with Friends of Harmony. He also sang
with a folk group and choir at St. Martin Catholic Church in Buffalo.
In 1990, Mr. Masterson moved to Florida. He enjoyed traveling
and playing pool.
His wife of 50 years, Alice Roach Masterson, died in 1996.
Survivors include his second wife, the former Alba Burlandi;
four daughters, Mary O'Connor, Joan Bausch and Sheila Scanlon,
all of West Seneca, and Margaret Monheim of Buffalo; three sons,
James of Pleasanton, Calif., Michael of Gales Ferry, Conn.,
and William of Trumansburg; a sister, Ann Diggins of West Seneca;
a brother, Matthew of Florida; 30 grandchildren; and five
great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was offered in St. Martin Church.
Prayers were said in Curtin Funeral Home, West Seneca. Burial was
in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Silver Creek.

MCBRIDE, WILLIAM
Shipmate William F. McBride, RM2 (1945-46) passed away on 14
January 2006, in Lexington, MA as reported by his widow.

MCCABE, BARRY
Ship's Historian, Gene Combs, has been informed by Don Pierce, former
member of UDT-3, of the death of Honorary Shipmate and former UDT-21
member, Barry G. McCabe, LTJG, USNR. Barry provided us with information
and photos of the destruction of Japanese military equipment around Tokyo
Bay in August and September 1945, while embarked on USS Begor. This
information is contained in
Sea Story # 26.
"Barry G. McCabe, 83, of Westport, CN passed away on 14 November. Barry
was born in Detroit, Michigan and was a resident of Westport for the past
forty-three years. As a member of UDT-21, embarked on USS Begor
(APD-127), he participated in the destruction of Japanese war equipment
around the Tokyo Bay area in August and September 1945.
"A graduate of the University of Michigan, an amateur photographer, and a
member of the Navy League, Barry was actively involved in a local program
physically testing, mentoring and training young men who want to be Navy
SEALs. In 2005, Mr. McCabe was honored to serve as the Grand Marshall of
the Westport Memorial Day Parade.
"Surviving are his widow, Kathryn, two daughters and one son. Barry's
family and many friends were invited to celebrate his life on Monday
November 19th at the Longshore Country Club. The event ended with
military honors and celebratory remarks at 6PM."

MCENTEE, VINCENT
Vincent Edward McEntee - A 35-year resident of Inglewood,
California, Vincent passed away March 2, 2005. Born in Portland,
Oregon, he was 79 when he died. He served in the U.S. Navy during
WWll and the Korean War. During the Korean War, Vincent served on
the USS Begor (APD-127) as a BTG1 and participated in operations at
Hungnam during December 1950.
After leaving the Navy he was employed with California Sports Inc.
and the Los Angeles Lakers organization. He is survived by his wife,
Eleuteria, two daughters, three sisters and three brothers. Services
will be Sunday, March 6 at 1:00pm with a gathering of friends and
family until 8:00pm at McCormick Inglewood Mortuary. Rosary will be
Sunday March 6 at 7:00pm.
A funeral Mass was held Monday March 7 at 10:00am at Visitation
Catholic Church in Westchester. Vincent was buried at
Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon on Wednesday March 9 .

SAM MILLER
Samuel L. Miller, MMC USNR (Ret), 1944-'45, Begor Plank Owner, passed
away on 9/13/2006 after several years illness. Sam's wife, Doris, recently
reported this, and you may recall her letter to the Begor Assn., written
before Sam's death, printed in the January 2007 Newsletter, expressing
regrets at not being able to attend the Baltimore Reunion because of Sam's
failing health. Sam retired from his civilian career with the US Postal
Service as Superintendent of Maintenance for the USPS District covering
Georgia and parts of SC and FL. Doris lives at their home of 52 years in
Atlanta, GA. Sam and Doris had 3 children, seven grandchildren, and one
great-granddaughter.

LEO MITCHELL
Leo Mitchell, 72, Elk River, Idaho, the light of our life. Leo W.
Mitchell
joined our Lord in Heaven on Dec. 16, 2005. Leo was and is our beloved
husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and
friend. Leo was born on July 24, 1933, to Alvin and Ethel Waker
Mitchell in Winona, Idaho.
He married Mardell Taff on June 19, 1955 in Grangeville. Leo and
Mardell had five children. They were divorced in 1976. In 1978, on
July 21, he married the love of his life, Beverly, in Elk River. At
this time he was blessed with four more children. He was also blessed
with having two surviving sisters, 22 grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four
brothers and one sister.
Leo served in the Navy from 1952 to 1957, [1953-56 in the USS Begor
APD-127], and in the National Guard from 1957 to 1959. He was a life
member of the American Legion Post in Grangeville and served on the
Elk River School Board, Elk River City Council, and was a Deacon in
the Elk River Community Church. He also served as a Clearwater
Highway District Commissioner.
Memorial services were held at the Elk River Community Church.
[Beverly Mitchell]

MORGAN, ALLISON
SO2, 1945-49, passed away in March 2003 as reported by his wife
Patricia.

MORGAN, BOYD
Surrounded by family, Alton Boyd Morgan, IC2, '56-'59, 75, of Shiner,
Texas, passed away on May 30 2011. Boyd was born in
Center, and attended several schools since his father
worked for the Southern PaCific Railroad. This interaction
helped hone his gregarious and friendly personality. He
attended Byrd High School in Shreveport, LA for three
years and was active on the track team and the a capella
choir. Boyd graduated in 1955 from New Caney High
School, where he played football, ran track, and was
selected as the "Most Popular Boy" by his classmates.
Shortly after graduationr Boyd enlisted in the United
States Navy. He traveled the world and was given an
excellent education in electrical work and instrumentation.
He would take these skills and turn them into a long and
rewarding career in the field of instrumentation in
industrial distribution. Boyd worked for several years at
Ethyl Corporation on the Houston Ship Canal. He earned
an associate's degree at San Jacinto College. Boyd and
Joan Svoboda were married June 8, 1962, and were
blessed with a son, Bruce, and two daughters, Jill and
Cindy, and seven grandchildren, who survive him.
Boyd was wheel chair bound in his later life. He wanted to
come to the USS Begor Plaque dedication at the Nimitz
Museum in Fredericksburq, TX, 6/27/2009, and his friend
and shipmate Paul Beard from Payson, AZ was looking
forward to their reunion there. However, Joan, who did
the driving, was having eyesight trouble when the date
came up, and she and Boyd could not make the trip.
(Reported to Bill Meeker by Joan Morgan 9/25/2012)

MUKHALIAN, ZAVIN
LCDR-CO 1954-56, passed away in February 1992
as reported by his family. He was born on 18 February 1919 in
Bridgewater MA. He served in the Navy from 1942-1969 and was
the ninth USS Begor commanding officer.

MURRAY, SYBLE
Syble D. Murray, wife of shipmate George Murray (SK2 1945-49), passed away
in Dallas, Texas on December 23, 2007. Survivors, in addition to her
husband of 58 years, were a daughter and two sons, one sister and one
brother, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Syble was buried in
Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery following funeral services on 27
December.

MURRAY, GEORGE

Shipmate Murray's son, Richard, and son-in-law, Paul Barton, reported the
death of shipmate
George Murray, SK2, 45-4. They said
"He proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1945  1949 on the
USS Begor. He was buried at the National Cemetery at DFW with one of
his prized possessions .his USS Begor hat."

MYERS, LARRY
Larry Myers, RM3, 1952-54, passed away at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Ca. He was born 11-06-33 and passed on 2-11-12. He is survived by his wife Harriet, his daughter Julie Horn of Santa Ana, Ca. and his Sister Sandra Meyer of Mc Clure, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his brother Jack Myers also a Navy Man. Larry has three Grand Children and four Great Grand Children.
The Funeral Service was held on 2-21-12 at the Saddleback Chapel in Santa Ana and the Committal Service at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest Ca. with full Military Honors. A reception was held at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club in Tustin Ca. in celebration of his life.
(Reported to Bill Meeker by Larry's wife Harriet.)

NASH, ERNIE B.
As reported by his son, John, shipmate Ernie B. Nash, S1c, 1945,
a plankowner, passed away in Concord, North Carolina in September 2005.

NEBLETTE, RACHARD A.
The death of shipmate
Richard Neblette on June 16, 2013
was reported by his grand daughter, Gabrielle McComas. She said
"I was always fascinated by my grandfathers naval career and loved
hearing all the stories that he had to tell us about. I was very moved
by him and everything that he did in his life. He was a huge source
of inspiration for me and still continues to be even in his absence."

PAGE, JESSE "JD"
DKSN 1951-55 passed away at his home in Salisbury, NC on July 23,
2003 as reported by his wife, Connie

PARLING, JOHN C. "JACK"
John C. "Jack" Parling age 79 of Ithaca, Michigan died Sunday,
October 22, 2006 at his home.
Funeral Services were conducted Wednesday October 25, 2006 , at Smith
Funeral Homes, Ithaca Chapel.
Jack was born in Alma, Michigan on March 7, 1927, the son of Verne &
Cordie Parling. He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of
1944. On May 29, 1948 he married Evelyn May Kirby. He served his country
in the U.S. Navy during WWII serving on the USS Begor (APD-127) and was a
life member of the Ithaca VFW Post. He was a life member of the Alma
Elks #1400 and was a past exultant ruler.
Jack had worked as a car salesman for Davis Ford for 40 years. He and
his wife also farmed for the past 30 years. He was a private pilot and
enjoyed flying. He also liked to hunt and fish.

PERRY, EL MINA
Wife of CDR Roderick Perry Begor XO 1950-51 passed away in San
Diego, CA on September 4, 2001 as reported by her husband.

PERRY, ROD
Shipmate Joe Roderick Perry, LT (Ret. CDR) XO 1950-51 passed away on
10 June 2009. Commander Perry was living in an assisted living
facility in Chula Vista, California.
A military funeral was held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on
Wednesday 17 June. Roderick leaves two daughters, five grandsons
and six great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 61
years, El Mina, in 2001. Roderick would have celebrated his 93rd
birthday on July 3
He enlisted in the Navy in 1933 and served 34 years on active duty.
He was a great shipmate and held the respect of fellow officers and
enlisted sailors alike.

Q

R

RALSTON, JAMES S.
Dr. James S. Ralston, LTJG 1953-'56, CDR, USNR(R), of Kansas City, KS,
passed away Nov. 7, 2012, as reported to Gene Combs by his widow, Susan
Jim served in the Navy from 1952, following his graduation from U of
Kansas with a Bachelor degree in Music, until 1956, and Susan reports
he was very proud to have served on USS Begor. He remained in the Navy
Reserve until retirement in 1974. He earned a Master's Degree in 1958 and
a Ph.D in 1973, both in Music Education and both from the University of
Kansas. He later joined the faculty of KU, became a full professor in
1978 and retired in 1994. His list of accomplishments during his tenure
there is quite long, and in 1997, Jim was inducted into the Kansas Music
Education Hall of Fame. He was the song leader of the Monday Rotary Club
for forty-six years. Jim's extensive obituary can be seen
here.
Jim formed a vocal quartet, the Clefdwellers, on the Begor. Read all
about this group on the Sea Stories Page,
Sea Story 33.

RHODES, SAMSamuel J. "Sam" Rhodes
, Jr, SN1c, '46-'48, age 85, of Abbeville, GA,
passed away March 12, 2013, as reported by his grandson, Richard Rhodes.
"My grandfather has passed away recently (March) I tracked your newsletter
down a year or so ago and paid for it for him. He sure did like getting
this newsletter and always brought it to me to read when he was done, it
was always tattered and torn from him reading it so much.
He had a very sudden and unexpected death, he got to feeling bad for 2
days and we finally talked him into going to the Dr. where they thought
it was his heart and sent him to a hospital with cardiac services and
they later found that he had an esophageal tear that had been pooling
blood in his chest cavity, he had massive infection throughout and there
was little hope but he gave it a good fight."

SCHAIDT, GEORGE
George Daulton Schaidt, 92, passed away on July 21, 2018 in Milford, Utah.
George entered the Navy at the age of 17. He served on the USS North
Carolina during WWII, where he served as a radioman, and on the
USS Begor during the Korean conflict.
He married Mary Ellen Steele in Pateros, WA on July 15, 1950.
After leaving the military, he and his wife settled in Los Angeles, CA,
where together they raised four daughters. His family was very important
to him. George worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a
brakeman/conductor. In 1970 he transferred to Milford, UT, where he
retired from the UPRR in May 1989.
George belonged to the Masonic Lodge #38 in Caliente, NV. He loved to hunt,
fish and anything that involved the outdoors. George loved people, and he
never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed.

SCHROEDER, RICHARD
Richard (Dick) H. Schroeder, passed away at his home in
Sheboygan, Wisconsin on Thursday morning, December 13, 2007, as reported by
his wife, Ruth. Dick was a veteran of eight years in the Navy, having
served in USS Skagit and USS Ely in addition to his USS Begor service. He
was married to Ruth Blok on Nov. 7, 1959 and they raised their children in
the family homestead, once owned by Dick's grandfather. He enjoyed golfing,
fishing and snowmobiling with family and friends and he will always be
remembered for his happy nature, practical jokes, and unusual Christmas
gifts.

SERÉ, RAOUL
Shipmate Raoul Pierre Seré passed away on November 26, 2010. Raoul
served in the USS Begor as Supply Officer during 1952-53. He was 83
years of age. He was buried at Lake Lawn Metarie Cemetery in New
Orleans on Monday 29 November.
He is survived by his widow, Miriam Jane; daughters Jeannine, Andree,
Suzanne and Renee and step son John de Ben. Raoul had 13 grandchildren.
He was a graduate of St. Aloysius High School, Tulane University and
Loyola Law School. He was an attorney for 50 years and publisher of
Deedfax for 51 years. Raoul was active in the USS Begor (APD-127)
Association for many years and had served as Secretary and Newsletter
Editor.

SIGMON, CALVIN (BUD)
Coxswain 1945, passed away on November 3, 2005 in Lincolnton, NC,
as reported to shipmate "Archie" Archer, by Bud's widow, Mary Edith.
Bud was a Begor Plank-owner having joined the original crew in Bay City,
Michigan in 1944. Shipmate Sigmon was interred in Forest Lawn Cemetery
in Lincolnton following a service at the Warlick Funeral Home Chapel on
Saturday November 5, 2005. He was 79.

SNOOK, SAMUEL
MM2 1945-46, passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 3, 2005,
as reported by his widow, Rita.

SPENCE, JOHN
John Spence, Master Chief Gunner's Mate, age 95,
of Bend Oregon, on Nov. 10, 2013. Although not a USS
Begor shipmate, his obituary is noted because of a
Begor Association Newsletter article about UDT. John was the first
member recruited and assigned as an underwater combat
swimmer at the onset of WWII. His exploits are included in
the book "The First Frogman", which mistakenly credited
another early Frogman, actually an underwater swimming
student of Spence, with that distinction.
Google on "John Spence,
UDT, obituary." You will find lots of material and photos of
him. The Navy kept his exploits classified until the late
1980's.

SWAIN, WALT
Walton E. "Walt" Swain, BM2, Plank
Owner, '45-'46, age 89, died on Sept
22, 2013, in Washington, NC, as reported
by his wife of 63 years, Matilda (Tillie).
Walt was born and lived nearly all of his
life in Washington County, NC. He was
the last Postmaster appomted by Walter
B. Jones, and later became president of
the North Carolina Chapter of the National Association of
Postmasters (NAPUS). He was a 62 year member of
American Legion Post 0015, member of VFW Post 6088,
Washington Lions Club, First Christian Church, and Trinity
Sunday School Class. Survivors in addition to Tillie are a
son, Richard, and wife Anita, three brothers and their
wives, and numerous other relatives.

TUCKER, PAUL E.
Paul Edward Tucker, SO1 (1953-56) passed away Thursday, April 16, 2009
at Franciscan Villa in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Paul was born January
12, 1934 in Albany, Illinois, the son of Carl and Kathryn (Miller)
Tucker. He was 75 years of age.
After serving in the United States Navy during the Korean War, Paul
graduated from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas where he
met and married Joy Ludy in 1973. Paul loved to travel, taking 2
trips around the world. After moving from San Antonio to Peru, South
America, Paul and Joy eventually settled in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
where he later retired from OXY Petroleum as a geophysicist.
After retiring, Paul joined the staff at the Broken Arrow Senior
Center where he worked in the office from 1993 to 2004 and was very
active with the Senior Center. He enjoyed traveling and motorcycles.
He is survived by daughters, Kirstin Hendrick and Amy Willey, both
of Broken Arrow, OK; grandchildren, Tarah Bradbury, Sydney Hendrick,
Michael Powell, Taylor Willey, Devon Willey and Ashlynn Willey;
sisters Judy Froke and Kristin Cox, and one brother, Lynn Tucker.
Graveside services were held on Tuesday April 21, 2009 at the
National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

TURK, ROGER
Alan Roger Turk, 70, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Lindenhurst, New York,
passed away on September 20, 2004. He was a licensed Professional
Engineer, Civil and Structural, in Arizona and operated his own
Consulting Engineering firm, since 1966.
Roger, as he was known, was the son of the late Milton Turk, former
Mayor of Lindenhurst. He enlisted in the Navy in January, 1952.
After completing his boot training in San Diego and Radarman "A"
school at Treasure Island he reported on board the USS Begor, APD-127.
Three years later, he was released from active duty as a Radarman
First Class and restarted his civilian education at the University
of Arizona, majoring in Civil Engineering. Roger received his
bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering in May, 1959 and immediately
began graduate studies in Structural Engineering. He was a member of
Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society.
He received a direct commission in the Naval Reserve in 1961. In the
Naval Reserve, he served in a number of positions, including Executive
Officer and Commanding Officer of a Naval Reserve Surface Division.
Thirty years after first enlisting, Roger transferred to the Retired
Reserve as a Commander.
In addition to being a member of a number of national and international
organizations, Roger was a Life Member of the Structural Engineers
Association of Arizona and a Life Member of the American Society of
Civil Engineers.
Roger is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Penrod and
Barbara Turk, of Kansas City, Missouri.
He requested no services and was buried at sea. (South Bay News
October 6, 2004)

[Editor Note: Roger Turk is credited as being the driving force
behind the USS Begor APD-127 Association while serving as Secretary
for more than eight years. His shipmates acknowledge his contribution
to our Association and give Roger their heartfelt thanks for a job
well done]

WALKER III, WILLIAM A.
LCDR-CO 1949-51, passed away in February
1996 in San Francisco, California. He was a graduate of the U.S.
Naval Academy, class of 1940, and was the sixth USS Begor
commanding officer, retiring from the U.S. Navy, in 1970, as
a Captain.

WALLSZEWSKI, H. L.
LCDR-CO 1947-48, passed away (Date Unknown).
He was the fourth USS Begor commanding officer and retired from
the U.S. Navy as a Captain.

WATSON, CARLOS
Dr. Carlos M. Watson, EdD, 88, of Terre Haute, IN, died at 0230 on November
24, 2001, in Davis Gardens Health Center. Early in his career he was
a teacher and principal and most recently was a professor at Indiana
State University for the School of Elementary Education.
He was born September 29, 1913 in Sullivan County to William and Maude
Mahan Watson. His first wife, Mary Watson, died in 1989. Survivors
include his wife, Ruth Nees Watson; one son and one brother; three
step-children and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in
death by his parents; one son, three brothers and one sister.
He was a graduate of Indiana State University, where he earned his
bachelor's degree and master's degree. Dr Watson earned his doctorate
degree at Indiana University.
He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, Terre Haute
Elks Lodge 86, Terre Haute Exchange Club and Amateur Radio
Association. He was a Navy veteran of WWll, having served as a
Radioman on the USS Begor APD-127 as one of the original crew.
He was buried at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions
may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer
Society

WHITTINGTON, WILLIAM "Bill"
QM3 1949-52 passed away in February 2001 as reported by shipmate
Don Wilburn.

WILDE, JOSEPH L.
FP3, 1955.
Joseph was born January 6, 1932 in Rhineland, Texas to Charles and
Annie Decker Wilde. He served in the United States Navy and was a member
of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic church. He married
Alice Jean Pennartz on June 21, 1958 in Decatur, Texas and was married
49 years at her death on October 28, 2007. He is also preceded in death
by his sister, Charlene Thames and brother, Marvin Wilde.
Additional details
HERE.

WILKES, DONALD
William Donald Wilkes, 71, retired employee of Monsanto, died Tuesday,
Sept 20, 2005, at his residence in Culleoka, TN.
Services were conducted at 11am, Saturday, September 24, 2005 at Oakes
& Nichols Funeral Home with Dr. James Sampley and Bart Whatley
officiating. Burial was in Friendship Cemetery with military honors
provided by Herbert Griffin, American Legion Post 19. The family
visited with friends from 4-8pm Friday at the funeral home.
The Marshall County native was the son of the late Neal Grafton Wilkes
and Jane Inman Wilkes. He was a graduate of Culleoka High School.
In 1959 he married Dorothy Voss Wilkes of Culleoka who survives him.
Mr. Wilkes served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Begor
(APD-127) from 1952 to 1956. He was a member of Culleoka Community
Church.
Mr. Wilkes is survived, in addition to his wife, by one daughter and
one son; three stepsons; one sister; eight grandchildren and five great
grandchildren.

WILLIAMS, EDWARD A.
Michael McDermott, Capt. Williams' son-in-law, reported the Captain's death
on July 29, 2014. The Lompoc Record printed his full obituary online at
lompocrecord.com.
The following paragraphs are extracts from the obituary.
Captain (USN Retired) Edward Albert Williams, 93, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2014 at the Comprehensive Care Center in Lompoc, California. Captain Williams served with distinction in the US Navy for 32 years. He was born in Coronado, California on October 1, 1920 to Albert Gale and Anna Held Williams. He joined the Navy as a sailor in 1940 but became a midshipman in 1943. The Captain saw three conflicts during his career - World War II, Korea and Viet Nam.
He was the last surviving captain of the USS Begor (APD-127) and also commanded the USS Braine (DD-630).
He graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Economics and completed advanced training through the Navy and was an Anti Submarine Warfare Expert. His duty stations included the ASW school in San Diego as well as Hawaii more than once. His last duty was as Chief of Staff for the Anti Submarine Warfare Pacific Forces stationed at Ford Island in Honolulu. Captain Williams earned many citations and medals including the Legion of Merit Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor to name a few.
Following his retirement from the service he worked as a Defense Contractor in Camarillo, California. After that, he and his wife Connie lived in Mesquite, Texas near family.

WILLIAMS, VALJEAN
Shipmate Valjean Williams, DC2 passed away in Milford, Utah on 22
September 2010. Shipmate Williams served in USS Begor (APD-127) during
1945-46. He is survived by his widow, Martha, 4 children, 13
grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death
by 3 brothers, 1 sister and 1 granddaughter.
Valjean was buried at Orem City Cemetery on 28 September 2010.

WORTHEN, ALZIE
Mailman, Begor plank-owner 1945. Our shipmate was buried with full
military honors at Bower Cemetery in Longtown, Oklahoma on August 9, 2004.
As reported by his Grandson, David Worthen.

X

Y

Z

ZIMMERMAN, OTTO
Mrs. Otto Zimmermann reported today,11/12/07, in a phone conversation
with our USS Begor Historian, Gene Combs, that her husband, our
shipmate and former Begor Executive Officer, Otto C. Zimmerman, Lieutenant
1951-52, passed away in November 2000 at the age of 80. He was living in
Quincy, PA at the time of his death.

ZIMMERMAN, WILLIAM
MM3 1947-49 passed away in Jordan, Utah on November 9, 2002, at the age
of 80, as reported by his wife, Loraine.

ZINK, MARVIN
The death of Shipmate Marvin Zink, ENFN, 50-52, has been reported by
his sister, Cheryl Spore. She provided several copies of papers from
Marv's service record including Administrative Remarks by his Executive
Office, LT J.R. Perry. Also, included was a copy of the Meritorius
Captain's Mast by CO LCDR W. A. Walker. The Mast mentioned Marv's
oustanding performance as the engineer of the LCPR used by the UDT
detachment that blew up the Hungnam docks during the Korean War and his
invaluable assistance to the detachment.
Copies of these pages can be obtained by an email request to
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